The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is set to expand a key program designed to reduce commercial truck accidents. Despite pushback from the trucking industry, which has urged against changes, the FMCSA is moving forward with updates, as reported by FreightWaves.
For truck accident victims, these changes are critical. Stricter safety programs can help prevent crashes caused by negligence or unsafe practices within the trucking industry. As experienced truck accident lawyers, our law firm has seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be, leaving victims with life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. Such safety regulations not only seek to save lives but also provide stronger grounds for legal claims when companies fail to comply.
FMCSA’s role in commercial truck safety
The FMCSA might not directly investigate truck accidents—that responsibility often lies with local law enforcement or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)—but its influence on trucking safety is undeniable.
As the federal agency overseeing the trucking industry, the FMCSA is instrumental in promoting safety and accountability. Here’s how:
- Enforcing standards for drivers and vehicles: The FMCSA ensures truck drivers operating under commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) meet strict safety requirements and that commercial vehicles comply with federal standards.
- Establishing safety regulations: By creating and revising federal rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the FMCSA sets the framework for safe trucking practices, covering everything from driver hours to vehicle maintenance.
- Collaborating with enforcement agencies: The FMCSA works alongside the NTSB and state law enforcement to ensure federal trucking laws are followed, reducing risks on the road.
For victims of truck accidents, the FMCSA’s regulations often play a critical role in identifying violations that could establish liability in a legal case.
What is the FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP)?
The Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) is an FMCSA initiative aimed at preventing truck accidents by analyzing the causes of specific types of crashes. Launched in May 2020, the CPDP allows the FMCSA to review certain commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents when a request is made by the trucking company or the driver involved.
Under the CPDP, the FMCSA examines 21 eligible accident scenarios, including:
- A commercial truck rear-ended by another driver.
- A motorist colliding with the side of a commercial vehicle.
- A CMV struck by a driver making an illegal U-turn.
- A motorist falling asleep and crashing into a commercial truck.
By determining whether certain crashes were preventable, the CPDP promotes accountability and encourages safer practices within the trucking industry.
For truck accident victims, these reviews can reveal patterns of negligence or unsafe behavior, providing critical evidence in legal claims. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, understanding how programs like the CPDP work can be key to holding negligent trucking companies accountable.
Recent changes to the CPDP
The FMCSA has announced significant updates to its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP), hoping to expand its reach and improve its impact on truck accident prevention. These changes include:
- Additional crash categories: The program now includes four new types of truck accidents eligible for review.
- Extended eligibility period: The FMCSA can now review crashes that occurred within the past five years up to December 1 of the current year.
These changes will hopefully improve the quality of data and the amount of information collected about truck accidents, which could impact future regulations and safety standards.
What these changes mean for truck accident victims in Indiana
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a commercial driver, the FMCSA’s expanded CPDP program and federal regulations could have a significant impact on your case. Here’s what you need to know:
- Blame shifting: Trucking companies or drivers may try to use CPDP findings to argue they were not at fault, even in situations where their negligence contributed to the crash.
- Impact on compensation: If an FMCSA review concludes the accident was not preventable by the truck driver, it could complicate your efforts to recover financial compensation.
- Uncovering safety violations: CPDP reviews could reveal patterns of unsafe practices or violations by the trucking company, strengthening your case.
- Legal complexities: Understanding how FMCSA regulations apply to your claim is essential for addressing potential challenges and building a strong case.
An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges. They can investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, and challenge CPDP findings if necessary, ensuring your rights are protected. Whether you’re seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference in securing the financial recovery you deserve.
Our truck accident lawyers build strong cases
Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident can feel overwhelming, especially when federal programs like the FMCSA’s CPDP come into play. Trucking companies and their insurers often use every tool at their disposal, including CPDP findings, to minimize their liability and shift blame. Without experienced legal representation, you risk losing out on the compensation you deserve.
At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and the critical role FMCSA regulations can play in proving negligence. We have a proven track record of holding negligent trucking companies accountable and securing substantial financial recoveries for our clients, including a $2.2 million settlement for a truck accident injury victim.
When you choose us, you get more than an attorney—you get a dedicated team ready to fight for your rights. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash to challenging CPDP findings and negotiating with insurance companies. With offices in Fort Wayne and South Bend, we’re here for truck accident victims across Indiana.
Don’t face this battle alone. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay a dime unless we win your case. Let us help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
"My sons and I were hit by a dump truck that left me with ongoing neck pain and headaches almost a year and a half later. And these headaches weren’t just physical, dealing with the other drivers insurance and making sure medical expenses and treatments were covered was an additional headache. After listening to my frustrations for over a year, friends of ours recommended we reach out to Kenny, and I’m so glad they did. He guided us through the process and represented us well. Not having to deal directly with insurance anymore and having someone handle all the logistics was such a relief. Plus, he helped us with not only getting reimbursed for medical expenses related to the accident, but the compensation also allowed me room for continuing on with treatments as needed and not needing to worry about those possible ongoing expenses." — Melissa A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐